Winkelgrad

Winkelgrad is a fictional town and commune in Nordheim, a coastal country in northern Europe. It sits at the crossroads of historical trade routes and modern logistics corridors, giving it a role as a regional hub for commerce and culture.

The name combines winkel (shop) and grad (step or degree) in the local language, reflecting its origin as a market town with covered arcades and a long-standing commercial tradition. The town’s identity is closely tied to its historic market square and to a succession of guilds that shaped its development.

Located on the flat delta of the Rivier and Brack rivers, Winkelgrad covers about 42 square kilometers. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and cool summers, and about 700 millimeters of precipitation annually. The surrounding countryside features green belts and riverine landscapes that influence local leisure and tourism.

Founded in the 12th century as a trading post, Winkelgrad grew around the sheltered market square and a Town Hall later rebuilt in the 14th century. Throughout the centuries it expanded with crafts, workshops, and later industrial enterprises, while preserving a pedestrian-friendly historic core.

The economy blends traditional crafts with logistics and small-scale manufacturing; in modern times a regional logistics park and a university campus anchor economic activity. The town hosts markets, fairs, and cultural events that emphasize regional crafts and culinary specialties.

Local governance operates through a town council led by a mayor. Winkelgrad’s cultural life centers on the Winkelmarkt festival in late summer, and its architecture includes brick guild houses and a watchful tower that is a local landmark. Transport links include a regional railway line and a network of bus services, with a small international airport serving Nordheim’s northern region.